Construction updates

Here you’ll find the latest updates on the work taking place on Markhouse Road. If you have a question on the work please email us.

Update - 14 November 2017

Markhouse linear park

Works within the new park are ongoing with the final footway and cycle track surfacing due for completion in December 2017 subject to weather conditions. We will begin planting following the civil works. Lighting in this area will soon be update, following power connections.

Update - 13 November 2017

Theydon Street

Works on the blended crossing at Theydon Street have been completed. Theydon Street will be formally converted from two-way to one-way (westbound) once the power is connected to illuminate one way and no entry sign posts. Residents and businesses will be notified by letter ahead of the changes, and advanced warning signage will be displayed on site.

Update - 17 October 2017

Theydon Street

Work will start on Tuesday 24 October to construct a blended 'Copenhagen' crossing at the junction of Theydon Street and Markhouse Road. Works are expected to be completed by 7 November, however every effort will be made to complete the works earlier if possible. During this time, the junction will be closed to motor vehicles, and cyclists will need to dismount and use the footway.

Following construction of the blended crossing, Theydon Street will be changed from two-way vehicle movements to only allowing one-way vehicle movements in a southwesterly direction, permitting entry from Markhouse Road only. Signage will be installed at the exit of Theydon Street (at the junction with Hibbert Road), stating "No Entry, except for cycles". Advanced notice of the final change will be given to local residents and businesses via on street notice boards and by letter prior to the change being made permanent and enforceable to allow for a period of adjustment to the new road layout.

Please find the recent publicity letter sent to residents and businesses here.

Update - 30 August 2017

Wetherden Street to Verulam Avenue - Road resurfacing work (amended)

Due to adverse weather in the latter part of Tuesday night, and the forecast rain on Wednesday night, we have taken the decision to delay the Markhouse Road resurfacing works. These works will now recommence overnight on Thursday 31st August and be completed on Friday 1st September. These dates will also be subject to weather conditions. A works notification letter was recently sent to residents and businesses in the vicinity, and can be found here.

Update - 25 August 2017

Wetherden Street to Verulam Avenue - Road resurfacing work

Road resurfacing is to be carried out along Markhouse Road between Queens Road and Lea Bridge Road from Tuesday 29 to Thursday 31 August, between 8pm and 5am. Footways will remain open at all times, but Markhouse Road will be closed to all traffic between Wetherden Street and Verulam Avenue.

Temporary waiting restrictions will be in force during the above hours of work to restrict parking in and around the working areas. Signage indicating the temporary parking restrictions will be displayed on site. Please see the resident notification letter here, for details on the diversions during this time.

Update - 23 August 2017

Queens Road to Lea Bridge Road

Works are continuing on the green verge on Markhouse Road. Over the next few weeks, we will be completing the eastern kerbline and footways, and resurfacing the carriageway under night time closures from 29th August to 31st August. A works notification letter was recently sent to residents and businesses in the vicinity, and can be found here.

Update - 31 July 2017

Verulam Avenue to Boundary Road

The transformation of the green verge on Markhouse Road continues to make great progress -

We are building the new cycle track and footway towards Boundary Road, which is now taking shape. The cycle track and footway is currently being constructed, and will travel behind the bus stop and utility cabinets. You may have seen Thames Water carrying out urgent works near Boundary Road and Theydon Road. The bus stop on Markhouse Road opposite Samantha Close (bus stop ‘MS’), will temporarily be closed to enable both Thames Water and Enjoy Waltham Forest work to be made in that area. Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the area – please follow any pedestrian diversion in place during this time.

We thank you for your patience while these works take place.

Update - 6 July 2017

Verulam Avenue to Boundary Road

Our construction team is currently working from the northern end of the green verge towards Lea Bridge Road, edging and laying the base surfaces for the pedestrian footway and cycle track. So far, we have progressed these works as far as the bus stop. The team are also installing the new eastern kerb line which will form the new edge of the carriageway. As part of the works the carriageway will be moved eastwards to enable a wider footway and better bus stop area to be created on the west side of Markhouse Road.

Update 27 March 2017

The following works will be starting soon:

Linear Park:

Works will be starting soon on the improvements to the existing green verge which runs along Markhouse Road, to create a new green space called Linear Park. The improvements will incorporate a new pavement and cycle track to make walking and cycling along Markhouse Road safer and more pleasant. The final design of Linear Park has been developed based on feedback received throughout the consultation period. More information on the consultation can be found here.

New combined crossings:

At the following locations:

Boundary Road

Verulam Avenue

Ashford Close

Queens Road

A combined crossing is designed to help cyclists and pedestrians cross safely and quickly.

The following works are continuing:

Marhouse Road junction with Ashford Close

Works are still continuing on the new Zebra crossing near this junction. Once completed, this crossing will provide a safer place for pedestrians to cross this road.

New cycle track

On Markhouse Road (east side between South Grove and opposite Verulam Avenue), we are currently building the new cycle track. Once finished, this will provide a designated space for cycling, making it safer and easier for cycles and vehicles to share the road. Whilst works are on going, pedestrians will still have access to the pavement.

During the construction of the cycle track between South Grove road and opposite Verulam Avenue), temporary two way traffic lights will be in operation for duration of works.

Linear Park

Currently we are working on drawing up detailed plans for this park. As part of this new green space, we will be selecting tree species and their new locations.

Updated 23 March 2017

OVERNIGHT WORKS NOTICE - Markhouse Road between South Grove and Boundary Road.

Starting on Monday 27 March overnight resurfacing works begin at this location for 2 weeks between the hours of 8pm and 5am, Monday to Friday.

There will be some noise from the machinery being used during the resurfacing work. However, where possible we will aim to complete the nosiest work before 11pm to minimise the disturbance to residents. While we appreciate that this is an inconvenience, we are aiming to complete all works as soon as possible.

Please look out for ‘no parking’ signs, cones and diversions, and any other temporary signs whilst works are taking place. We are asking local residents to park in neighbouring roads whilst works are taking place.

For further information on these works, temporary diversions and a copy of the letter sent to residents, please click here

Updated 17 March 2017

A letter has been sent out to local residents and businesses advising of resurfacing works taking place between South Grove and Boundary Road. To view a copy of the letter, please click here.

Updated 13 March 2017

Works starting soon:

Linear Park:

Works will be starting soon on the improvements to the existing green verge which runs along Markhouse Road, to create a new green space called Linear Park. The improvements will incorporate a new pavement and cycle track to make walking and cycling along Markhouse Road safer and more pleasant. The final design of Linear Park has been developed based on feedback received throughout the consultation period. More information on the consultation can be found here.

New combined crossings:

At the following locations:

Boundary Road

Verulam Avenue

Ashford Close

Queens Road

A combined crossing is designed to help cyclists and pedestrians cross safely and quickly.

The following works are continuing:

Marhouse Road junction with Ashford Close:

Works are still continuing on the new Zebra crossing near this junction. Once completed, this crossing will provide a safer place for pedestrians to cross this road.

Linear Park

Currently we are working on drawing up detailed plans for this park. As part of this new green space, we will be selecting tree species and their new locations.

New cycle track

On Markhouse Road (east side between South Grove and opposite Verulam Avenue), we are currently building the new cycle track. Once finished, this will provide a designated space for cycling, making it safer and easier for cycles and vehicles to share the road. Whilst works are on going, pedestrians will still have access to the pavement.

During the construction of the cycle track between South Grove road and opposite Verulam Avenue), temporary two way traffic lights will be in operation for duration of works.

Completed works:

All works have now been completed on the following roads:

Between Acacia Road and Low Hall Lane a number of trees have been removed as they were overhanging and leaning into the carriageway blocking the cycle track

Ashford Close junction with Markhouse Road, a new called blended 'Copenhagen' crossing has been completed. These are designed to slow down vehicles when entering or exiting side roads and encourage vehicles to give way to pedestrians crossing the road, reinforcing the rules of the Highway Code

Updated 03 March 2017

Green space on Markhouse Road

As part of the proposals for Markhouse Road, we are transforming the leftover roadside green verge which runs along Markhouse Road into an attractive, accessible and useable local green space

The space will include the following and work will take place over the next few months:

A two-way cycle track and footway through the existing green space, and a new one-way cycle track on the western side of Markhouse Road

New street lighting to ensure safety

New trees of a range of species to improve biodiversity and attractiveness and we will aim to plant at least one new tree in the space for every tree removed as part of the scheme

An air quality planting scheme to help absorb harmful pollutants

A ‘planted area’ along the eastern side of Markhouse Road to provide a green buffer that separates pedestrians and cyclists from vehicles (similar to Selbourne Road in Walthamstow)

An informal, natural play area featuring boulders and stepping stones to create a fun route for children away from traffic

A wider footway on the western side of Markhouse Road (near St Saviours Church) with an improved bus stop area, plus a larger bus stop area opposite Samantha Close

A new shared cycle and pedestrian crossing near Boundary Road and Theydon Street

Bins to help keep the area clean and tidy.

The design of the green space has been developed based on feedback received throughout the consultation period. More information on the consultation can be foundhere.

We are currently finalising the design for the green space and a plan will be made available on the website in the next few weeks. Please email enjoy@walthamforest.gov.uk if you wish to be informed when the plans are available.

Tree removal works

Works to widen the pavement, improve the cycle lanes and create a new green space on Markhouse Road between Verulam Avenue and Boundary Road took place between 27 and 28 February 2017.

As part of this we removed 26 of the existing 57 trees to make the green space more usable, and to make space for the new pavement and cycle track. Before starting any work, we commissioned an independent condition survey on the trees. The report found that 21 trees were dying, infected or dangerous, and encroaching on the public highway, posing a safety hazard to the public. Additionally, it found another four trees to only have 10 years of life left, and were inappropriate for the highway. A table with more information from the tree survey can be viewed here.

Photo 1: Rot in centre of removed tree

When the trees were removed, many were found to be completely rotten through the trunks (see photo 1). Other trees were pushing through the walls of the brick planters, to the point where they were close to the point of collapse.

The trees have been removed before the bird nesting season, and although the area will appear a little bare in the short term we will be replacing all of the trees removed with more suitable species.

In fact the new trees selected will also include a range of diverse species to help improve biodiversity, air quality and the attractiveness of the space.

Update 20 February 2017

Markhouse Road - Linear Park

Work to widen the footway, improve the cycle lanes and create a new green space on Markhouse Road between Verulam Avenue and Boundary Road will start on 27 February 2017.

This work aims to improve access for walking and cycling, road safety and the look and feel of the area. The following will be introduced in this section of Markhouse Road:

A two-way cycle track and footway through the existing green space, and a new one-way cycle track on the western side of Markhouse Road

New street lighting

New trees from a range of species as well as more plants to improve the attractiveness of the space and improve air quality (similar to Selbourne Road in Walthamstow)

A ‘planted area’ along the eastern side of Markhouse Road to provide a green buffer that separates vehicles from pedestrians and cyclists

An informal, natural play area featuring boulders and stepping stones to create a fun route for children

A wider footway on the western side of Markhouse Road (near St Saviours Church) with an improved bus stop area, plus a larger bus stop area opposite Samantha Close

A new shared cycle and pedestrian crossing near Boundary Road and Theydon Street

Bins to help keep the area clean and tidy.

As part of these improvements to Markhouse Road we are removing 26 of the existing 57 trees to make the green space more usable and to make space for the new footway and cycle track.

Before starting any work we commissioned an independent condition survey on the trees, which found 21 of the trees to be dying, infected or dangerous and encroaching on the public highway. In addition another four of the trees were found to only have 10 years of life remaining and an inappropriate species for the highway. We will replace all of the trees removed with a more suitable species and plant them in more suitable locations. The new trees will include a range of species to help improve biodiversity, air quality and the attractiveness of the space. We will also be looking to plant more trees throughout the Markhouse Road area.

To keep work on track the changes will be made in phases. The trees will be removed first between 9.30am and 3pm, Monday to Saturday and will take two weeks to complete, weather permitting. The remaining work will take place after the tree removal, and a further notification letter will be sent closer to these works starting. Tree planting will occur soon after in October during the planting season. To allow us to carry out the road works safely and on time, traffic management may be in place to let you know of any diversions or restrictions. Look out for signs and cones in the area during this time.

A construction update letter has been sent recently informing residents of the new Linear Park being built on Markhouse Road between Boundary Road and Verulam Avenue, to view a copy of the letter, click here.

Update 14 February 2017

New parking and loading arrangements on Markhouse Road

New parking and loading arrangements will come into effect from Monday 20 February. The new parking and loading arrangements are outlined below:

Dedicated loading spaces

Two new loading spaces on Ringwood Road

Two new loading spaces on Downsfield Road

Two new loading spaces on Low Hall Lane

Two new loading spaces on Queens Road.

Short stay shopper spaces

Two new short stay spaces on Ringwood Road

Two new short stay spaces on Downsfield Road.

All the new spaces, except the spaces on Queens Road will be made available from Monday 20 February. To keep the works on track and minimise disruption for everyone, we are asking local residents and businesses to avoid parking within the works area until the work has finished. ‘No parking’ signs and cones will be placed in these areas so please look out for these before you park. If necessary, penalty notices will be issued and your vehicle may be removed and impounded if they are parked in a space that obstructs works.

Please bear with us over the next few weeks so we can make these improvements to the area as soon as possible.

A construction update letter has been sent recently to all residents informing them of new parking and loading arrangements. To view a copy of the letter, click here.

Updated 13.02.17

The following works are now taking place:

Markhouse Road between Downsfield Road and Low Hall Lane

Building works are still continuing on constructing the new cycle lane and pavement so that cyclists and pedestrians have a safer place to walk and cycle. Whilst works are ongoing pedestrians will still have access to the pavement. Cyclists and drivers can still use the road with no restrictions or traffic management.

The junction of Markhouse Road with Queens Road

The pedestrian crossing at this junction will be out of use whilst works are taking place. A temporary push-button crossing will be placed further along Markhouse Road towards the junction with Ringwood Road to ensure all pedestrians have a safe place to cross. This should be completed in the next two to three weeks. Whilst works are taking place, no parking restrictions will be enforced, please look out for signs and park in neighbouring roads.

Zebra Crossing outside Kelmscott School

We are moving the zebra crossing and carrying out essential works at this site. We are also building the new cycle lane and improving the pavement, so that pedestrians and cyclists can cross quickly and safely. Whilst works are taking place, pedestrians will have to use the other pavement. Drivers will not be affected as two way traffic will be maintained. We expect the works to take two to three weeks to completed

Existing Zebra crossing near Ashford Close

We are carrying out essential improvements to the existing Zebra crossing near Ashford Close. At the same time, we are also building the new cycle lane and improving the pavement so that pedestrians and cyclists can get about safely and quickly. We expect the works to take two to three weeks to completed

The above works will be carried out during the school half term to minimise any disruption to the travel network and reduce the negative impact to pedestrians and school children using the busy crossings.

Between Low Hall Close and Markhouse Avenue

Work has started and continuing on the improvements to the pavement and building of the new cycle lane. This will provide a safer place for cyclists and those that want to cycle a safer place to cycle away from traffic. We expect the works to take two to three weeks to be completed.

Work starting next week, 20 February 2017:

New and relocated loading and parking bays

Existing Zebra crossings to be improved so that pedestrians can cross safely

Street lighting to be improved and updated

Begin construction of the new cycle lane between Markhouse Avenue and South Grove. This will provide a safer place for cyclists and those that want to cycle a safer place to cycle away from traffic

Changes and improvements will made to the Kerbs at the junction of Markhouse Avenue.

Work starting next month:

All street lights on Markhouse Road will be upgraded

Begin constructing the new and upgraded cycle and pedestrian crossings on the following roads:

Boundary Road, outside Kelmscott School

Verulam Avenue

Ashford Close

Queens Road.

Updated on 30.01.2017

Works are taking place on the following roads:

Markhouse Road between Acacia Road and Downsfield Road

Works continue on the construction of the new cycle track. This is to provide a safer place to cycle along this road. We expect this to be completed within two to three weeks

During the works, vehicle and cycle traffic will be travelling together. Pedestrians will still be able to use the pavement.

Markhouse Road between Downsfield Road and Low Hall Lane

Works continue on cycle tracks and will be finished within two to three weeks

During construction the existing pedestrian crossing by the junction of Markhouse Road with Queens Road will be closed for the duration of works. A temporary push-button crossing will be placed further along Markhouse Road towards the junction with Ringwood Road to provide a safe temporary crossing point for pedestrians. We expect this to be finished within the next two to three weeks

To keep the works on track, we are asking local residents and businesses to avoid parking in the area until the work has finished. “No parking” signs and cones will be placed in the area and if necessary, penalty notices will be issued and as a last resort vehicles will be removed and impounded if they are parked in a space that obstructs works.

The following works have been completed:

Markhouse Road between Acacia Road and Low Hall Lane

A number of trees have been removed that were dangerously leaning into the carriageway. They posed a danger to pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles.

Markhouse Road between Acacia Road and Verulam Avenue

The cycle track has been completed. Cyclists now have a safer place to cycle along this road.

The cycle track construction and pavement works have now been completed. Both cyclists and pedestrians now have a safe place to get about.

Updated on 16.01.17

The following roads still have works continuing:

Markhouse Road between Acacia Road and Downsfield Road

Work is still continuing on the construction of the new cycle track and pavement improvements. We expect these to be completed in the next two to three weeks.

Whilst works are ongoing in this section, cyclists will have to travel with cars on the road to allow the construction of the new cycle track. Pavement access for all pedestrians will still be maintained whilst works are taking place.

Markhouse Road between Downsfield Road and Low Hall Lane

Works have started on the cycle track and pavement improvements for this section of the road and should take two to three weeks to complete

During construction, the crossing by the junction of Markhouse Road with Queens Road will be closed while works are taking place

We have installed a temporary push-button crossing, slightly further down Markhouse Road towards the junction with Ringwood Road. These will be in operation for the duration of works while the road is being worked on to provide a safe crossing point for all pedestrians

Pedestrians will still be able to use the pavement.

To keep the works on track, we are asking local residents and businesses to avoid parking in the area until the work has finished. “No parking” signs and cones will be placed in the area and if necessary, penalty notices will be issued and as a last resort vehicles will be removed and impounded if they are parked in a space that obstructs works

As part of transport improvements being made to Markhouse Road, 10 trees which are located on the public footway have been removed. Before starting any work we commissioned an independent condition survey on the trees, which found two of the trees to be dangerous and encroaching on the public highway. In addition, another four of the trees were found to be an inappropriate species for the highway, and will eventually pose a danger to road users as they don’t have sufficient space to grow properly. The other four trees have been removed to make way for new cycle tracks and new wider public footways.
We will be replacing all of the trees on Markhouse Road and planting an additional 10 trees in neighbouring side roads. We will be working with an independent green space expert to determine the exact locations and species for the trees, which will be selected to complement the local area

Work to construct a new blended 'Copenhagen' crossing at the junction of Ashford Close/ Markhouse Road started on 21 November and will take three weeks to complete. To carry out the works safely and efficiently Ashford Close is closed at its junction with Markhouse Road during the work. Large delivery and refuse access to South Grove School is being maintained at Ashford Close and Ringwood Road. Four parking bays inside the works have been closed so please look out for no parking signs. Pedestrian access to the school is being maintained at all times.

Work to construct the new cycle track between Acacia Road and Downsfield Road started on 21 November and will completed by 10 December 2016. Whilst the works are being carried out, vehicle and cycle traffic will not be separated. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

Construction of the new blended 'Copenhagen' crossing at the junction of Downsfield Road/ Markhouse Road started on 31 October and will take two weeks to complete. To carry out the work safely and within the timeframe Downsfield Road will be closed at its junction with Markhouse Road and local diversions will be in place to help direct drivers. Parking near the works will be prohibited so please look out for no parking signs.

From 7 November work will start between Acacia Road and Low Hall Lane to remove the overhanging trees that lean into the road and block the cycle track. Pavement works will also begin to make space for the cycle track which will be built later on in the scheme. This work will take six weeks to complete.

From 7 November construction of the new blended' Copenhagen' crossing at the junction of Low Hall Lane/ Markhouse Road will begin and will take two weeks to complete. During this time Low Hall Lane will be closed at its junction with Markhouse Road and local diversions will be in place to help direct drivers. Parking near the works will be prohibited so please look out for no parking signs.

Updated on 28.09.16

Work has started at the Verulam Ave/Markhouse Road junction as well as the Acacia Road/ Markhouse Road junction to create a new Blended 'Copenhagen' crossing.